Into The Rift

Lights Out (24)

-1651 Military Hours

It takes a significant amount of time for Angel team to reach our position. A quick glance is given to acknowledge their arrival as I turn back to watch the settlement wind up on its activity.

The initial shock from our presence has completely worn off it seems.

"Glad you could make it," I greet my counterparts, keeping eyes on the inhabitants, "...so what did you guys find?"

"They've got several ships lined up at those docks, looks to be made with outdated construction techniques. But design wise they're really good, they've got an eye for details I kid you not."

I face the approaching fireteam, feeling the need to comment on my suspicion, "Now that's unexpected..." If they could make ships that are able to induce a praise from one of us, why the hell are their houses so dull in comparison.

Brainstorming for the next several seconds, I rifle my head for an answer. It didn't take long for my logic driven mind to formulate a reasonable explanation.

"You know what this implies right? " I pause to add some suspense, turning to the rest of my men, "we're only looking at a local population of around a hundred and fifty, give or take a few."

"The evidence is there," Narkis drags out his words with a thoughtful outlook, "based on our info, it's clear we've made contact with an multi-Island spanning civilization."

"Not a surprise really, I've heard the researchers kind of predicted that," Douglas points out, "this sector is an archipelogo after all."

"Well, we've confirmed their initial predictions, I'd say we've got this mission in the bag," James voices out.

"Not quite," I stop my teammate from getting any ideas, "new orders from me, we're not leaving just yet."

This significantly changes the parameters of the mission, we have to find out their exact range.

Knowing the full extent of their reach is something that needs to be done, I realize the researchers would want that in addition to our original assessment.

"Right now we need our own drone squadron up in the air," I inform my team, "I'll input my orders to them."

The current instructions on the larger drones above cannot be overwritten, I don't have authority to do so, which sucks. I will have to make do with the team's inventory.

For the sake of flexibility, this issue needs to be brought up the chain of command at a later time.

"Got it," Robert presents his rucksack to me. I remove the secure flaps on the side pockets, my hands digging within for the compact Black Viper UAVs.

I look towards Narkis, fingers still searching, "What about your drones sir?"

One of his men replies on his behalf, "They're already up and about for quite some time, tailing several ships heading away from Visegrad Island."

"Ok noted."

Within moments, I fish out three drones and power them up. "Here we go." Keeping me updated on the surroundings, my eyes carefully watch the peripheral as I program the drones with my specifications.

Standard altitude has been set, and so are my orders on which Islands to prioritise first. The computer intelligence on these mechanical bad boys will take care of the rest, I'm counting on them.